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Rikus Pretorius (Gallo Images)
- Stormers center Rikus Pretorius is enjoying a potential duel against Frans Steyn when they take on the Cheetahs.
- Steyn is a doubt for the match in Newlands, but Pretorius wants to prove himself against the great Springbok.
- Pretorius adds that he learned a lot from Jamie Roberts, center for the British and Irish Lions and Wales earlier this year.
Stormers center Rikus Pretorius is enjoying a possible duel with Springbok Frans Steyn when the Cheetahs visit Newlands on Saturday.
Steyn is struggling with a groin injury and belatedly withdrew from the Cheetahs game against the Sharks in Durban last weekend.
The Cheetahs are sweating their availability for this weekend’s clash, but Pretorius hopes the World Cup winner is in good shape.
“For me, playing against Frans will be a great challenge. That is the game you want to play because if you want to be part of the Springbok team you have to play against the best. So for me it would be a great challenge if he plays,” Pretorius said. to journalists during a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
Pretorius, 21, attended Gray College in Bloemfontein and said that Steyn, who enrolled 12 years before him, was his role model.
“He was also at Gray College, so he’s always been someone I looked up to.”
The Cheetahs will make a call about Steyn’s availability later in the week, but the Stormers’ defense coach Norman laker he warned that visitors would be dangerous even without Steyn.
“Obviously, he’s a world-class player. You don’t win two World Cups 12 years apart if you’re not a good rugby player. He brings a lot of experience and peace of mind to the Cheetahs team. But I wouldn’t say cheetahs are that much weaker if He does not play.
“They have very good reserves and guys who can fill their position quite well. So personally I think they are not weaker. They definitely have a good replacement in Chris Smit, who played the weekend,” Laker said.
Pretorius, meanwhile, added that he was enjoying playing time in the Stormers’ midfield and also praised the central teammate. Dan du Plessis.
“I really enjoy playing with Dan … he’s been in the system a long time, he’s physical, he tackles. What makes the combination so enjoyable is because he plays toward the ball. He can be a [ball] carrier, but he can also throw it with his skills. “
The former Junior Springbok’s extended career at No. 12 occurs after departure from Mid Wales Jamie Roberts, who left the Stormers during the hiatus imposed by the coronavirus.
Pretorius said he learned a lot playing with Roberts earlier in the year.
“I wouldn’t say it was frustrating. In fact, I really enjoyed learning from someone who has played for the British & Irish Lions and 94 Tests for Wales. For me, it was a privilege to learn from him. He motivated me in training, training harder against him to work for that number 12 shirt. “
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